MOSEM² Project

MOdelling and data acquisition for continuing vocational training of upper secondary school physics teachers in pupil-active learning of Superconductivity and ElectroMagnetism based on Minds-On Simple ExperiMents = MOSEM²

Building on the results of the ongoing MOSEM project as well as the previous SUPERCOMET 2 and SUPERCOMET projects, the MOSEM² project runs from November 2008 until September 2011. Financial support of € 300 000 through the Leonardo da Vinci / Life Long Learning programme of the European Union amounts to 61% of the project’s total budget of approximately € 492 000. The project code is NO/08/LLP-LdV/TOI/131.013.

The Challenge

A lack of competent science teachers, especially physics teachers, is part of a feedback loop that breeds negative associations to the subject of physics and also hinders recruitment of good candidates who can turn the trend. This situation is ongoing at both national and European levels, as has been documented by several studies and conferences in recent years.

Aims

The MOSEM² project promotes lifelong learning in physics and pedagogy for science teachers at the upper secondary level through offering a range of modelling tools based on existing commercial and non-profit solutions, as well as the outcomes of previous related Leonardo projects.

Deliverables

The tangible results of the MOSEM² project include new contents for an existing and internationally used electronic learning environment offered to participating schools and teachers. The new materials combine mathematical models, simulations and video analyses of simple thought-provoking tabletop experiments, supported by electronic and printed materials comprising additional videos, animations and text.

Teacher Training

Specially developed teacher seminars allow participants to experience first-hand these resources as well as pedagogical methods for facilitating active learning, building on the outcomes of SUPERCOMET 2 and MOSEM. Additionally, MOSEM² will improve on the previous outcomes of SUPERCOMET 2 and MOSEM by adding a quantum-mechanical explanation of the physics behind superconductivity, courtesy of leading researchers in this exciting field of physics.

Partnership

The MOSEM² project builds on the foundations of several collaborations in national and/or European projects, most recently the MOSEM and SUPERCOMET 2 projects, which are the direct sources of the ideas and the MOSEM² consortium. The partnership behind the project proposal consists of leading European physics educators with a proven track record of collaboration in previous projects, as well as being frequent contributors at international conferences for physics education. Several partners have held offices as president or board member at international organisations like GIREP, MPTL and ESERA.